Frequently asked questions about child labor law in Oklahoma

              Frequently Asked Questions about Child Labor Law in Oklahoma
What is Oklahoma’s minimum age for employment?
The minimum age to be employed in Oklahoma is 14 years. Children working either on farms or for parents or any entity in which a parent owns an equity interest are exempt. Children engaged in the sale or delivery of newspapers to consumers are also exempt. See Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for federal exemptions.
Who issues the work permit?
The Employment Certificate of Age and Schooling (work permit) shall be approved by the principal, headmaster, or equivalent administrative officer of the school which the child attends or should be attending. The child’s parents shall approve such certificate if the child is being schooled at home. The school’s Issuing Officer is required to verify the minor’s age and the compulsory school requirements in accordance with Title 70 Section 10 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
How many hours can a 14 or 15 year old work while attending school?
A minor under the age of 16 years may work up to three (3) hours on school days (Monday to Friday), up to eight (8) hours on non-school days (days in which attendance is not compulsory), and up to 18 hours in a school week. A minor under the age of 16 years may work up to 40 hours in a non-school week if school is out for the entire week and attendance is not compulsory.
How many hours can a 14 or 15 year old work during summer break?
A minor under the age of 16 years may work up to eight (8) hours on non-school days (days in which attendance is not compulsory) and up to 40 hours in a non-school week if school is out for the entire week and attendance is not compulsory. A minor under the age of 16 years may not work overtime.
What times can a minor 14 or 15 years of age work when school is in session?
From the Tuesday after Labor Day to May 31 of the following year, a minor under age 16 years may not work before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. If the employer is not subject to the FLSA, a minor may be allowed to work til 9:00 p.m. throughout the year on days followed by a non-school day. Check with the United States Department of Labor to determine whether the employer is subject to the FLSA.
What times can a minor 14 or 15 years of age work when school is not in session?
From June 1 to Labor Day, a minor under age 16 years may not work before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00
p.m.
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